Configurable Emergency Lighting Unit with Universal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency lighting units require multiple sets of specific spare parts for different installation configurations on walls and ceilings, leading to increased production costs and environmental impact due to unused parts.

Innovation Solution

The emergency lighting unit features connectors, such as lateral tenons and a profiled frame, that allow the light panel to be assembled in both parallel and perpendicular orientations without needing specific spare parts for each configuration, using a mortise and tenon assembly that conceals the connectors for improved aesthetics and cohesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If specific spare parts are provided for each mounting configuration (wall and ceiling), then the light panel can be assembled in both configurations, but the production cost increases and environmental impact worsens due to unused parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidunused spare parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal mounting system where the same connectors (tenons and notches) are used for both wall and ceiling mounting configurations. The cover includes tenons that can engage with notches on the frame regardless of whether the light panel is mounted parallel to the wall or perpendicular to the ceiling, eliminating the need for configuration-specific spare parts and reducing waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of specific spare parts are provided for different installation configurations, then assembly is possible for each configuration, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation configuration supportVSAvoidspare parts management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system uses identical tenon and notch connectors for both wall and ceiling installations. The frame includes notches positioned to receive tenons from the cover in either mounting orientation, simplifying spare parts management to a single universal set rather than multiple configuration-specific sets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If connectors are visible on the front face, then assembly is simplified, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent conceals the tenon connectors within the frame structure. The notches are positioned on the frame's internal surfaces or edges, allowing the tenons to be received and hidden within the frame's profile rather than protruding visibly on the front face, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3525198B1Configurable safety lighting unit
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 COOPER SECURITE
  • EP3525198B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3525198B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3525198B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an emergency lighting unit comprising a support housing (2) formed of a base and a cover defining a housing (23) for an electrical power supply circuit and corresponding electrical contacts, and a light panel (3) consisting of a warning label (31) and a light guide (32) joined at their periphery by a frame (30) integrating a light source, said light panel being designed to make contact with said electrical contacts for the supply of said light source, in first and second mounting states, respectively in a plane parallel and in a plane perpendicular to the cover, the cover comprising connectors (24, 25) adapted to engage, in said first mounting state, with said frame, said frame having an external section defining a housing (38) intended to receive said connectors by snap-fitting in said second mounting state.